The High Court of Bangladesh has deferred the decision on banning The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The matter arose during the hearing of a writ petition seeking the prohibition of ISKCON and the imposition of Section 144 in Chattogram and Rangpur to prevent unrest. The court instructed Attorney General Asaduzzaman to present the government’s stance by Thursday.
Allegations Against ISKCON:
The interim government, in a recent affidavit, labeled ISKCON a “religious fundamentalist” group and stated that it is “examining” the organization. The accusations escalated after a rally on October 25 in Chattogram, where ISKCON leaders were accused of hoisting a saffron flag above the national flag of Bangladesh. This led to sedition charges against 19 individuals, including ISKCON leader Chinmoy Prabhu.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings:
Chinmoy Prabhu was arrested on Monday at Dhaka airport and was denied bail by a Chattogram court. He has since been placed in judicial custody. The sedition case filed on October 30 has become a flashpoint between the interim government and the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Growing Concerns:
The arrest and allegations have heightened tensions between the new interim government and minority groups in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India expressed “deep concern” over the matter and urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and rights of Hindus and other minorities.
Background:
Hindu groups have reported increased attacks and persecution since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country in August amid a student-led rebellion. The interim government, however, has refuted these claims, stating that the threats to minorities have been exaggerated.
The decision on ISKCON’s future in Bangladesh remains uncertain, with the Yunus-led government tasked with making the final determination in the coming days. Minority communities and international observers will closely monitor how the government addresses the allegations and ensures minority rights in this critical period.
